Department of Physics and Astronomy

The degree programs offered by the Department of Physics and Astronomy reflect its policy of offering the opportunity for a comprehensive education of the highest quality, individualized to the needs and interests of the students. Completion of a Bachelor’s degree in Physics allows students entry into one of the highly ­specialized areas in science and technology, and the ability to apply for positions in industry and government, as well as entry into professional and graduate schools.

Bachelor of Science Degree in Physics

The Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree in Physics provides opportunities for preparation for careers in industry and governmental agencies and for graduate study in physics or related fields.

The minimum number of semester credit hours required for this degree, including the Core Curriculum requirements, is 120. At least 39 of the total semester credit hours required for the degree must be at the upper-division level. All major and support work courses (including math, chemistry and computer science courses) must be completed with a grade of “C-” or better.

All candidates seeking this degree must fulfill the Core Curriculum requirements and the degree requirements, which are listed below.

Core Curriculum Requirements (42 semester credit hours)

Students seeking the B.S. degree in Physics must fulfill University Core Curriculum requirements in the same manner as other students. The courses listed below satisfy both major requirements and Core Curriculum requirements; however, if these courses are taken to satisfy both requirements, then students may need to take additional courses in order to meet the minimum number of semester credit hours required for this degree.

MAT 1214 may be used to satisfy the core requirement in Math­ematics as well as a major requirement. PHY 1943 and PHY 1963 may be used to satisfy the core requirement in Life and Physical Sciences as well as major requirements.

For a complete listing of courses that satisfy the Core Curriculum requirements, see Core Curriculum Component Area Requirements.

Core Curriculum Component Area Requirements

First Year Experience Requirement (3 semester credit hours)

All students must complete the following course, for a total of 3 semester credit hours:

Component Area Option (CAO) (3 semester credit hours)

Students must complete either one of the following courses or any additional Core Curriculum course not previously used to satisfy a core component area requirement, for a total of 3 semester credit hours:

Gateway Courses

Students pursuing the B.S. degree in Physics must successfully complete each of the following Gateway Courses with a grade of “C-” or better in no more than two attempts. A student who is unable to successfully complete these courses within two attempts, including dropping a course with a grade of “W” or taking an equivalent course at another institution, will be required to change his or her major.

Course Sequence Guide for B.S. Degree in Physics

This course sequence guide is designed to assist students in completing their UTSA undergraduate Physics degree requirements. This is merely a guide and students must satisfy other requirements of this catalog and meet with their academic advisor for individualized degree plans. Progress within this guide depends upon such factors as course availability, individual student academic preparation, student time management, work obligations, and individual financial considerations. Students may choose to take courses during Summer terms to reduce course loads during long semesters.

This laboratory course includes a lecture component as indicated on the University Schedule of Classes.

2

From section A.2. of degree requirements.

Note: Some courses are only offered once a year; Fall or Spring. Check with the Department of Physics and Astronomy for scheduling of courses.

Bachelor of Arts Degree in Physics

The Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degree in Physics provides opportunities for careers in several professional fields. It is not recommended for students planning to pursue graduate studies in physics or related fields.

The minimum number of semester credit hours required for this degree, including the Core Curriculum requirements, is 120. Thirty-nine of the total semester credit hours required for the degree must be at the upper-division level.

All majors in physics are required to complete all required and elective physics courses with a grade of “C-” or better.

All candidates seeking this degree must fulfill the Core Curriculum requirements and the degree requirements, which are listed below.

Core Curriculum Requirements (42 semester credit hours)

Students seeking the B.A. degree in Physics must fulfill University Core Curriculum requirements in the same manner as other students. The courses listed below satisfy both degree requirements and Core Curriculum requirements; however, if these courses are taken to satisfy both requirements, then students may need to take additional courses in order to meet the minimum number of semester credit hours required for this degree.

MAT 1214 may be used to satisfy the core requirement in Math­ematics as well as a major requirement. PHY 1943 and PHY 1963 may be used to satisfy the core requirement in Life and Physical Sciences as well as major requirements.

For a complete listing of courses that satisfy the Core Curriculum requirements, see Core Curriculum Component Area Requirements.

Core Curriculum Component Area Requirements

First Year Experience Requirement (3 semester credit hours)

All students must complete the following course, for a total of 3 semester credit hours:

Component Area Option (CAO) (3 semester credit hours)

Students must complete either one of the following courses or any additional Core Curriculum course not previously used to satisfy a core component area requirement, for a total of 3 semester credit hours:

Gateway Courses

Students pursuing the B.A. degree in Physics must successfully complete each of the following Gateway Courses with a grade of “C-” or better in no more than two attempts. A student who is unable to successfully complete these courses within two attempts, including dropping a course with a grade of “W” or taking an equivalent course at another institution, will be required to change his or her major.

Course Sequence Guide for B.A. Degree in Physics

This course sequence guide is designed to assist students in completing their UTSA undergraduate Physics degree requirements. This is merely a guide and students must satisfy other requirements of this catalog and meet with their academic advisor for individualized degree plans. Progress within this guide depends upon such factors as course availability, individual student academic preparation, student time management, work obligations, and individual financial considerations. Students may choose to take courses during Summer terms to reduce course loads during long semesters.

Minor in Astronomy/Astrophysics

The Department of Physics and Astronomy offers a Minor in Astronomy/Astrophysics, which serves to increase the value of the student's major concentration. The minor provides a more comprehensive foundation in physics to those wishing to teach science at the middle and high school levels through applications of important physics concepts. Further, it is a key Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) subject, due to its critical science, technology, and math components, combined with a popular appeal. All students pursuing the Minor in Astronomy/Astrophysics must complete 20 semester credit hours.

To declare a Minor in Astronomy/Astrophysics, obtain advice, or seek approval of substitutions for course requirements, students should consult their academic advisor.

Minor in Physics

The Department of Physics and Astronomy also offers a Minor in Physics, which serves to increase the value of the student’s major concentration. It also provides a more solid foundation in physics to those wishing to teach science at the middle and high school levels. All students pursuing the Minor in Physics must complete 21 semester credit hours.

Astronomy (AST) Courses

Prerequisite: MAT 1023 or MAT 1073.
A descriptive course including the development of astronomy, its methods, and the motions, laws, and evolution of the solar system. Topics include general properties and types of stars, unusual stellar objects such as quasars and black holes, galaxies, evolution, and cosmology. Occasional evening viewing sessions are held. May apply toward the Core Curriculum requirement in Life and Physical Sciences. Generally offered: Fall, Spring, Summer.

Prerequisite: Completion of or concurrent enrollment in AST 1013, or consent of instructor.
This course is an introduction to practical observational techniques, using the school’s telescopes as well as student-built classical instruments and exercises in the use of the telescope and certain other astronomical instruments, including simple observations, measurements, and photography. Topics include in-class projects on spectroscopy, stellar positions, solar heating, planetary motions, solar and astrophotography, star clusters, galaxies, and cosmology. Generally offered: Fall, Spring.

Prerequisite: MAT 1023 or MAT 1073.
A descriptive course of modern studies of the solar system, including a survey of the properties of the planets and smaller bodies (asteroids and comets) and current theories of the origin of planetary systems. Topics include results from the latest satellite, robotic, and human exploration of space, origin of life in the solar system, existence of other planetary systems, possibilities of space colonization, and the search for extraterrestrial life (techniques and possibilities of communication with other intelligences). May apply toward the Core Curriculum requirement in Life and Physical Sciences. Generally offered: Fall, Spring.

AST 1043. Current Topics in Astronomy. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

Prerequisite: MAT 1023 or MAT 1073.
Astronomy receives considerable attention from the media and the public in general. It allows us to ask fundamental questions about who we are, where we come from, and where we will end up as a world. This course will concentrate on the areas of astronomy that are currently most covered by the media—planet detection and interpretation, recent NASA spacecraft missions, supermassive black holes, gamma-ray bursters, dark matter and dark energy in the Universe, and other significant developments that arise during the semester. This course will cover each of these in depth, but will also concentrate on the reaction that the media has had on them. The media and public often have an uncanny ability to probe directly to the main reasons for why scientists study a particular problem. The student who completes this course will be expected to not only have a better scientific understanding of the current hot topics in astronomy, but also understand how the media can actually drive science in general.

AST 1073. Astrobiology: Search for Life in the Universe. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

Prerequisite: MAT 1023 or MAT 1073.
The concept that life might exist elsewhere besides the Earth has intrigued humankind for centuries. Technology has now enabled this fundamental question to be pursued with substantial international scientific vigor. Within the Solar System, several Mars probes, as well probes to the moons of Jupiter (Europa) and Saturn (Titan), are being developed with specific emphasis on the development of in-situ instrumentation to detect the presence of life. Beyond the Solar System, the search for life signs has gained momentum with the rapid growth in the number of known exoplanets. While the detection of exoplanets is challenging conventional views of planet formation, it has also created opportunities for new observational methods to detect and characterize habitability and bio-signatures. The study of life on Earth has revealed surprising constraints on the limits of life with the discovery of extremophiles capable of surviving in near-freezing, near-boiling, nonaqueous, or high-radiation environments. This interdisciplinary course involves topics in astronomy, planet formation, and biology.

AST 1113. Astronomy for Educators. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

Prerequisite: MAT 1023 or MAT 1073.
This is a one-semester introductory survey course on modern astronomy, specially designed for education majors. During the semester, students will develop course materials for classroom instruction appropriate for K-12 education. Correcting common misconceptions in astronomy and current teaching strategies will be discussed to help students master the course material and become effective teachers.

AST 3001. Undergraduate Astronomy Seminar. (1-0) 1 Credit Hour.

Prerequisite: Completion of or concurrent enrollment in AST 3023 or consent of instructor.
Designed for physics and astronomy majors. Discussions about current astronomical research, with different topics emphasized each semester. May be repeated twice for credit when the topics vary. Offered on a credit/no-credit basis only.

AST 3013. Fundamentals of Astronomy. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

Prerequisites: PHY 1963 (or PHY 1923 in previous catalogs) and MAT 1224 (or MAT 1193 and STA 1403) completed with a grade of "C-" or better.
This is a one-semester introductory survey course on modern astronomy for science and engineering majors. Students need to be comfortable with solving problems and using math as a tool to help master the course material. Students concerned about their problem-solving and math skills should consider taking AST 1013 instead, which is intended for non-science majors. Among the topics covered are the celestial sphere, basic orbit theory, stellar parameters, binary stars and light curves, and basic introduction to stellar spectral classification. (Formerly AST 2063. Credit cannot be earned for both AST 3013 and AST 2063.)
Generally offered: Summer.

AST 3023. Introduction to Astrophysics. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

Prerequisites: AST 3013 and PHY 2103 or consent of instructor.
Topics include an introduction to stellar structure and evolution, stellar atmospheres, collapsed stars, galactic structure, introduction to cosmology, etc. (Formerly AST 3003 and PHY 4003. Credit cannot be earned for more than one of the following: AST 3003, AST 3023 or PHY 4003.).

Prerequisite: Completion of or concurrent enrollment in AST 3023 or consent of instructor.
Properties of stars and starlight; principles of radiation; interpretation of stellar spectra. Observational techniques such as photometry, spectroscopy, telescopes and detectors; variable stars; binary stars. In addition to classical visual observations, topics span the electromagnetic spectrum, including radio, infrared, X-ray, and gamma-ray measurements in astronomy.

AST 3043. Astrochemistry. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

Prerequisite: AST 3023 or consent of instructor.
An interdisciplinary course that explores astrochemistry: the study of molecules in space. Where are they? How did they get there? What roles do they play in controlling or influencing astrophysical processes? The chemistry of interstellar molecules is one of modern astronomy’s best tools for probing the processes of star and planet formation. Organic molecules formed in space and delivered to Earth’s primordial surface may have contributed to the origin of terrestrial life. Through a combination of observational spectroscopy and imaging, theoretical modeling and controlled laboratory studies, the secrets of the cosmic chemical cauldron are beginning to be unlocked. This course involves readings in astronomy, chemistry, and biology.

AST 3103. Observational Astronomy Laboratory. (0-6) 3 Credit Hours.

Prerequisite: Completion of, with a grade of "C-" or better, or concurrent enrollment in AST 3033 or consent of instructor.
An introduction to practical observational techniques in astronomy designed for physical science students. Topics include basic observational techniques and modern instrumentation in astronomy including astrophotography, photometry, and spectroscopy of solar system, stellar and deep-space objects. Under the supervision of the course instructor, the students will use the 0.4-m telescope and other instrumentation on the campus observatory.

Prerequisite: AST 3023 or consent of instructor.
Topics include the Milky Way Galaxy and its constituents and the Local Group, morphology and properties of galaxies, Dark Matter, galaxy clusters, structure and evolution of galaxies including interactions and mergers, active galactic nuclei, gravitational lensing, and quasars.

Prerequisite: AST 3023 or consent of instructor.
Modern studies of the solar system, including properties of the planets and smaller bodies, and the origin of planetary systems. Topics include the solar system, its formation, structure, and evolution; orbital dynamics, surfaces, interiors, atmospheres, magnetospheres, and other properties of the sun, the planets and their satellites; comets and asteroids; origin of planetary systems; extra-solar systems. (Formerly titled "The Solar System.").

AST 4953. Special Studies in Astronomy. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

Prerequisites: AST 3023 and consent of instructor.
An organized course offering the opportunity for specialized study not normally or not often available as part of the regular course offerings. Special Studies may be repeated for credit when the topics vary, but not more than 6 semester credit hours, regardless of discipline, will apply to a bachelor’s degree.

Physics (PHY) Courses

PHY 1013. Universes. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours. (TCCN = PHYS 1310)

Prerequisite: MAT 1023 or MAT 1073 or consent of instructor.
This course is an introduction to contemporary physics and cosmology. The goal is to study some of the profound discoveries in fundamental physics made during the 20th century, and how they have shaped our modern conception of the universe and of our place in it. Topics discussed include Einstein’s theories of special and general relativity, quantum physics, modern cosmology (including the very early universe), and the standard model of elementary particles and forces. May not be applied toward the B.S. degree in Physics without prior written approval of the department. May apply toward the Core Curriculum requirement in Life and Physical Sciences.

Prerequisite: MAT 1023 or MAT 1073 completed with a grade of "C-" or better. Concurrent enrollment in PHY 1611 is recommended.
The first of a two-part, algebra-based introduction to physics for biology and other majors that do not require calculus-based physics. Topics include mechanics, thermodynamics, vibrations and waves.
Generally offered: Fall, Spring, Summer.

Prerequisite: PHY 1603 completed with a grade of "C-" or better. Concurrent enrollment in PHY 1631 is recommended.
The second of a two-part, algebra-based introduction to physics for biology and other majors that do not require calculus-based physics. Topics include electricity, magnetism, optics, relativity, and quantum physics. Generally offered: Fall, Spring, Summer.

Prerequisites: MAT 1193 or MAT 1214 completed with a grade of "C-" or better; completion of or concurrent enrollment in MAT 1224 (if student took MAT 1214) or STA 1403 (if student took MAT 1193) is required. Concurrent enrollment in PHY 1951 is recommended.
The first of a two-part, calculus-based introduction to classical physics, designed for physical sciences, mathematics, and engineering majors. Topics include mechanics and Newton’s laws, conservation laws, gravitation, rotational motion and rigid bodies, oscillations and waves. Classes meet weekly for three hours of lecture and one hour of recitation. May apply toward the Core Curriculum requirement in Life and Physical Sciences. (Formerly PHY 1903 and PHY 1904. Credit cannot be earned for more than one of the following: PHY 1903, PHY 1904, or PHY 1943.) Generally offered: Fall, Spring.

Prerequisites: PHY 1943 and MAT 1224 (or MAT 1193 and STA 1403) completed with grades of "C-" or better. Concurrent enrollment in PHY 1971 is recommended.
The second of a two-part, calculus-based introduction to classical physics, designed for physical sciences, mathematics, and engineering majors. Topics include an introduction to thermal physics, electricity and magnetism, fundamentals of circuits, electromagnetic induction, AC circuits, electromagnetic waves, and Maxwell’s equations. Classes meet weekly for three hours of lecture and one hour of recitation. May apply toward the Core Curriculum requirement in Life and Physical Sciences. (Formerly PHY 1923 and PHY 1924. Credit cannot be earned for more than one of the following: PHY 1923, PHY 1924, or PHY 1963.)
Generally offered: Fall, Spring.

Prerequisites: PHY 1951 completed with a grade of "C-" or better and completion of or concurrent enrollment in PHY 1963.
Laboratory to accompany PHY 1963; uses modern data acquisition and analysis tools to study the classic physics experiments that underlie the concepts discussed in PHY 1963. (Credit cannot be earned for both PHY 1971 and PHY 1931.) Generally offered: Fall, Spring.

PHY 2103. Modern Physics. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

Prerequisites: PHY 1963, MAT 2214 (completed with a grade of "C-" or better), and completion of or concurrent enrollment in PHY 3203, or consent of instructor.
Topics include special relativity, Planck’s Radiation Law, elements of quantum mechanics, atomic and molecular structures, spectra, the atomic nucleus, nuclear reactions, and an introduction to elementary particles. (Formerly PHY 3103. Credit cannot be earned for both PHY 2103 and PHY 3103.) Generally offered: Fall, Spring.

Prerequisites: PHY 1623 and PHY 1631, or PHY 1963 and PHY 1971, completed with a grade or "C-" or better.
This course provides students the opportunity to acquire knowledge in contemporary physics through the study and class discussions of selected topics and recent articles. Subjects may include one or more of the following: special and general relativity, elements of quantum mechanics, atomic and molecular physics, solid state, biophysics, nuclear physics, introduction to elementary particles, astrophysics and cosmology, etc. May not be applied toward the B.S. or B.A. degree in Physics without prior written approval of the department.

Prerequisites: PHY 2103, PHY 2823, and PHY 3203, or consent of instructor.
This course introduces the computer techniques used to solve (and improve the understanding of) physical problems that may be intractable by the standard pencil and paper analytical approach. Topics may include numerical solution of differential equations, numerical integration, eigenvalue problems, use of computer algebra systems such as Mathematica or Maple, Monte Carlo methods, computer visualization of physical problems, etc. Examples are taken from classical and quantum mechanics, electrodynamics, statistical mechanics, and solid state physics. May be applied toward a B.S. degree in Physics with approval of the physics advisor. (Formerly titled "Computer Visualization of Physics.").

Prerequisite: PHY 2103 or consent of instructor.
Topics include basic principles and designs of lasers: Einstein A and B coefficients; semiclassical laser theory; the phase-coherent nature of the stimulated emission process; and laser efficiency. Various applications of lasers, such as laser-induced fluorescence, light wave communications, holography, surgery, and laser fusion.

Prerequisite: PHY 2823 or consent of instructor.
Topics may include series solutions of differential equations, partial differential equations of physics, special functions, integral transforms and introduction to tensor calculus. Applications may include topics in classical and quantum mechanics, electrostatics and electrodynamics. (Formerly PHY 4823. Credit cannot be earned for both PHY 3583 and PHY 4823.) Generally offered: Spring.

PHY 3603. Cosmology. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

Prerequisites: PHY 1963 and PHY 2103, or consent of instructor.
This course is an introduction to physical cosmology. Topics include large-scale structure, expansion and age of the universe; non-Euclidean spaces, big bang cosmology, baryogenesis, nucleosynthesis, and cosmic microwave background radiation; particle physics and inflationary cosmology. (Formerly PHY 4033. Credit cannot be earned for both PHY 3603 and PHY 4033.).

Prerequisite: PHY 3443 or consent of instructor.
Topics including basic concepts of optical radiation interacting with biological materials will be covered. Discussion of how the unique properties of photons are exploited to understand the biological structure and its function. Photon absorption and emission in biological materials will be considered to explain their applications, including optical imaging as a noninvasive diagnosis tool, photodynamic therapy (PDT), etc.

Prerequisite: PHY 2103 or consent of instructor.
This course will describe the basics of crystal description and will discuss the characterization methods such as x-ray electron and neutron diffraction.

PHY 4623. Nanotechnology. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

Prerequisite: PHY 2103 or consent of instructor.
This course will describe the fundamentals of nanotechnology, including properties of matter at the nanometric size.

Prerequisite: PHY 3423 or consent of instructor.
Survey of micro and nanofabrication techniques, scaling laws, mechanical, optical, electrical, magnetic and thermal transducers, microfluidic applications, and nanostructures. Structures produced in the laboratory include microactuators, nanoparticles and microfluidics. This course differs from PHY 4623 in that it is oriented more toward fabrication techniques, rather than fundamentals. (Credit cannot be earned for both PHY 4653 and EE 4523.).

Prerequisites: PHY 3313 and PHY 4263, or consent of instructor.
This course offers an introduction to the basic concepts of the quantum condensed matter theory, such as lattice dynamics, elementary excitations, linear response theory, symmetry breaking in Fermi and Bose systems: the physics of superconductivity and superfluidity.

PHY 4911. Independent Study. (0-0) 1 Credit Hour.

Prerequisite: Permission in writing (form available) of the instructor, the student’s advisor, the Department Chair, and Dean of the College in which the course is offered.
Independent reading, research, discussion, and/or writing under the direction of a faculty member. May be repeated for credit, but not more than 6 semester credit hours, regardless of discipline, will apply to a bachelor’s degree in physics.

PHY 4912. Independent Study. (0-0) 2 Credit Hours.

Prerequisite: Permission in writing (form available) of the instructor, the student’s advisor, the Department Chair, and Dean of the College in which the course is offered.
Independent reading, research, discussion, and/or writing under the direction of a faculty member. May be repeated for credit, but not more than 6 semester credit hours, regardless of discipline, will apply to a bachelor’s degree in physics.

PHY 4913. Independent Study. (0-0) 3 Credit Hours.

Prerequisite: Permission in writing (form available) of the instructor, the student’s advisor, the Department Chair, and Dean of the College in which the course is offered.
Independent reading, research, discussion, and/or writing under the direction of a faculty member. May be repeated for credit, but not more than 6 semester credit hours, regardless of discipline, will apply to a bachelor’s degree in physics. Generally offered: Spring.

PHY 4953. Special Studies in Physics. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.
An organized course offering the opportunity for specialized study not normally or not often available as part of the regular course offerings. Special Studies may be repeated for credit when the topics vary, but not more than 6 semester credit hours, regardless of discipline, will apply to a bachelor’s degree. Generally offered: Spring.

PHY 4983. Unifying Concepts in Physics. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

Prerequisites: PHY 3293, PHY 3513, PHY 4263, and completion with a grade of "C-" or better or concurrent enrollment in PHY 3583, or consent of instructor.
This advanced course is designed to help the students develop a more mature and coherent understanding of the whole discipline through an in-depth exploration of the major branches of physics and their theoretical interconnections. Generally offered: Fall.

PHY 4993. Honors Research. (0-0) 3 Credit Hours.

Prerequisites: Enrollment limited to candidates for College Honors during their last two semesters; approval by the College Honors Committee.
Supervised research and preparation of an honors thesis. May be repeated once with approval.

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